Amazon Prime Adds HBO and Cinemax Streaming Via Amazon Channels

Cord Cutting is something that’s been on the rise for years now with the massive shift in the way we all consume media and the amount of time that’s in the day and the technology we use. So with this, you have services like Netflix, Hulu, Star, HBO and Amazon to name a few companies to pull you away from Cable TV and its high bills. Amazon up until 1-2 years ago had a weak line up for their instant video a competitor to Netflix, but with a deal to host select HBO shows and new shows like The Grand Tour it’s becoming a head to head race, and in an attempt to get ahead you can now get HBO & Cinemax streaming through Amazon Channels. The catch, you still have to pay the equal amount of money as getting them separately. The HBO package costs $14.99 per month for unlimited streaming access, the same cost of an HBO Now subscription, while the Cinemax package costs $9.99 per month.

“HBO has produced some of the most groundbreaking, beloved and award-winning shows in television history,” said Amazon VP of digital video Michael Paull in an official statement. “Prime members can now watch the latest episodes of the critically-acclaimed Westworld and Game of Thrones without the need for a cable subscription. We’re thrilled to work with HBO to bring their cutting-edge content to Amazon Prime members with Amazon Channels.”

Amazon very clearly wants to lock users into its services with the addition of HBO and Cinemax. Prime members can already subscribe to Showtime, Starz, and Comedy Central Stand-Up. All these services in one interface, almost like a cable company but more A la Carte like Sling TV, but Prime Video being missing on Apple TV and Chromecast is a huge blow to the average Joe. Till this is addressed in my opinion they can only compete so much with Netflix.

Some benefits I can see of Amazon Channels with all these services are free trials of the subscriptions and to see how they integrate into the app so you get a feel for things. 2nd one account, one password nothing more. 3rd IMDb X-Ray integration.